Today is September 29th and I just can’t help but reminisce about August 29th at this time. At this moment one month ago, I was oh so close to wrapping up a beautiful 112 mile bike. I was worried sick about Lance, but able to refocus and persevere when I came to the realization that forgetting to eat and drink would only ruin my day. You know the rest of the story…
It’s still surreal. Yes, we both got the ‘m-dot’ tattoo. And no, we are neither burnt out nor signed up for another Ironman. We’re just calm. Letting it all sink in I suppose. Reveling in our accomplishment and looking forward to enjoying fall running and biking through the crisp trails.
Back to the tattoo. Before I completed the Ironman, a friend asked me if I was going to get the tattoo once all was said and done. I said I didn’t know. I really didn’t! I don’t have any other tattoos and wasn’t quite sure about marking up my body for life. I let the idea sit in the back of my brain until after the race.
After returning home after the Ironman experience, I never had to question if I was going to get the tattoo or not. Completing the Ironman was by far the most significant experience of my life—physically and mentally—and I want to be reminded of that everyday. I want to be reminded of the strength and perseverance that I not only possessed on that day, but also own everyday of my life. Everyday of my life I am an Ironman. And if I ever dare to question myself—to doubt myself—all I have to do is glance down at my right ankle. No one can ever take it away—the accomplishment or the tattoo.
